PHILIPPINE CULTURE AND TOURISM GEOGRAPHY

LESSON 7: REGION 1 – ILOCOS REGION

• Region 1, also known as the Ilocos Region, is located in the northwest of Luzon. It borders to the
east the regions of the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley, and to the south of
the Central Luzon. Located on its west is the South China Sea.
• The region is composed of four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and
Pangasinan. Its regional center is San Fernando City, La Union.

ILOCOS NORTE
• Capital: Laoag City
• Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos
• Getting There: Laoag International Airport serves as the main gateway to Ilocos Norte. Laoag is
just 45 minute flight from Manila. By land, various bus lines serve the Manila – Laoag route for an
8 hour drive. Ilocos Norte is just 477 km north of Manila.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. SINKING BELL TOWER

o If Italy has its leaning tower of Pisa, Laoag City has its own local version: the Sinking Bell
Tower. This edifice is one of the tallest bell towers in the country and it's located in the
heart of the city. As of today, it stands at 45m tall.

2. LA PAZ SAND DUNES

o Ever want to visit the Sahara Desert in Africa? Just come and visit the unique geological
dessert environment found only in Ilocos Norte — the Lapaz Sand Dunes. These sand
dunes, their heights ranging from 10-30 meters, were created as a result of the
interacting wind, sea, and river.

3. FORT ILOCANDIA HOTEL

o Fort Ilocandia Resort is the only 5-star deluxe resort hotel in northern Philippines
sprawling over 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and pine forests with a 2
kilo-meter sandy beach facing the South China Sea. Its design was inspired by Spanish
colonial architecture

1
4. MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH
o It was built as the official residence of the late President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a 2-
storey building located near the legendary Paoay Lake.
o Currently, it operates as the Marcos Memorabilia Museum, which is open to the public.

5. PAOAY CHURCH
o Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church)  is a national treasure of and a designated
UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using coral
bricks, which can be seen from its massive walls. Also, as a prime example of a Baroque
church, it brings along a picturesque view truly reminiscent of the Spanish era, with
details like enormous and magnificent buttresses on the sides and back of the building.

6. MARCOS MUSEUM AND MAUSOLEUM

o Located in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, it houses memorabilia of the late President Marcos.
The mausoleum is on the other side of the museum and it houses the body of the late
president. Picture taking is prohibited inside here. Upon entering the mausoleum, one will
also hear Gregorian sounds.

7. CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

o This lighthouse, with brick walls as is the style of many other lighthouses in the country, is
one of the highest elevated Spanish colonial lighthouses in the Philippines. Currently, it
still functions as an active and welcoming flare to ships that enter the Philippine
Archipelago from the North.

8. BANGUI WINDMILL
o The Bangui Windmill is the 1st of its kind in Southeast Asia which made Ilocos Norte as
one of the few provinces that generates renewable energy. 
o The windmill has 20 tri-blades that 70 meters high, with windmills spread about in an arc
formation along the Bangui Bay.

9. PAGUDPUD BEACHES
o Dubbed as the “Boracay of the North” with its white, sandy beaches

10. PATAPAT VIADUCT

o The Patapat Bridge is a 1.2 km long bridge that connects 2 barangay in Pagudpud. This
zigzag-y bridge is often referred as the “French Riviera of the North.” Visitors can enjoy

2
 the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains as they cross this bridge, which
is 200 meters above sea level. It is the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines.
11. KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
o Found in the rocky parts of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, these rock formations cannot be
classified as something common as they are formed over years and years to a formation
that you’d unexpectedly see. For some reasons, seeing Kapurpurawan Rocks makes you
realize that when nature works, it’s definitely something that no human can ever
accomplish.

12. JUAN LUNA SHRINE

o Juan Luna, a hero and well known painter was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. His infamous
painting is the Spolarium and many other renowned paintings. The shrine showcases the
legacy of the family as well as vintage photograph of the Luna clan.

ILOCOS SUR

• Capital: Vigan City

• Ilocos Sur was founded by the Spanish conquistador, Juan de Salcedo in 1572.

• Getting There: There are several bus lines that ply the Manila-Vigan route. Among these are: The
Philippine Rabbit Bus Line & Partas Co., The 405 km distance from Manila to Ilocos Sur is a
comfortable and scenic seven-hour ride. The fastest way to get to Ilocos Sur is through the Laoag
International Airport in Laoag City.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. THE HERITAGE CITY OF VIGAN

o In 1999, the Heritage City of Vigan was inscribed in the World Heritage List. UNESCO
describes the site as:
• "Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish
colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from
elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape
that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

2. CALLE CRISOLOGO
o The most famous and major tourist magnet in Vigan, Calle Crisologo is full of Spanish-
styled houses that gives people of this generation a glimpse of the Spanish era. This

3
 street also features the prosperous lifestyle of the said era because of the Manila-
Acapulco trade.

3. PAGBURNAYAN POTTERY MAKING

o One of the most frequently visited and photographed tourist spot in Vigan. It is home to
the famous pottery in the Philippines. The locals say that they use the authentic and old
method in making jars with the use of a potter’s wheel. The root word “Burnay” is an
earthenware jar, which is the ones used by pottery makers while anay is a material that is
heated in high temperature heat which makes the jars durable and hard.

4. BANTAY BELFRY
o More than just a bell tower, the Bantay Belfy sits on top a hill that offers a panoramic view
of the entire Ilocos Sur. The belfry also has historical significance, because it was used
as a watchtower for pirates during the Spanish colonial era.

5. STA. MARIA CHURCH

o Found in a town with the same name, the Our Lady of the Assumption Church is a
designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It is one of the four Spanish-era
churches that is part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines collection, making it a
must see, especially if you have an architectural inclination.

6. TIRAD PASS
o The Tirad Pass is where Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest Filipino general, fought against
the Americans to allow revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo to escape. It is now
designated as a National Shrine.

7. BALUARTE
o There are two good reasons why you should visit Baluarte, also known as the Fortress:
first, because of its mini-zoo that serves as the home of many endemic animals in the
Philippines and second, is that it is actually owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-known
politician in the country

LA UNION

• Capital: San Fernando City

• Known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”

4
 • La Unión, "The Union" in English, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of
Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the three southern towns of Ilocos Sur province,
the nine northern towns of Pangasinan, and the western towns of Benguet to the east (Eastern
Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras).

WHAT TO DO IN LA UNION?

1. SURFING IN SAN JUAN, LA UNION

o Surfing in La Union was reportedly started by a Japanese man who trained the locals to
surf back in the 70’s.  But it was popularized by Australian surfer Brian Landrigan (father
of popular surfer Luke Landrigan) who built a humble 3-room resort here in the 90’s,
known today as San Juan Surf Resort

2. CLIFF DIVING AT TANGADAN FALLS

o What makes this waterfall special is the journey to the main falls. Tourists have to hike for
about one hour, which involves river crossing in a forest-clad trail.  The smaller waterfall
is a popular spots for cliff diving, while the bigger one is perfect for swimming and rafting.

3. GRAPE PICKING AT BAUANG GRAPE FARM

o Unknown to many, the town of Bauang in La Union has long been sprinkled with grape
farm.  Tourists are flocking here to experience grape picking (seasonal) or have a photo
op at the charming grape farms. 

4. SAY A PRAYER AT MACHO TEMPLE

o Proudly standing on top of a hill in San Fernando, La Union, the 7-storey Macho Temple
is a Taoist Temple dedicated to Mazu, a Chinese sea-goddess.

5. SEE LUNA’S WATCH TOWER

o Situated in a pebble beach in Brgy. Victoria, the restored lookout tower was built during
the Spanish era to warn residents of incoming pirates.

6. PRAY AT NAMACPACAN CHURCH

o Also known as St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish or The Shrine of Our Lady of
Namacpacan, this church is one of La Union’s last remaining heritage sites and one of
the National Museum of the Philippines’ National Cultural Treasure.

7. STAY AT THUNDERBIRD PORO POINT

o It is dubbed as the “Santorini of the Philippines”

5
PANGASINAN

• Capital: Lingayen

• The name Pangasinan (pronounced "Pang-ASINan") means "place of salt" or "place of salt-

making"; it is derived from the prefix pang, meaning "for", the root word asin, meaning "salt”, and
suffix an, signifying "location". At present it is pronounced "Paŋgasinan" based on the Spanish
pronunciation. The province is a major producer of salt in the Philippines

• Former President Fidel V. Ramos is from this province

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. HUNDRED ISLANDS
o Composed of more than a hundred small islands and islets in the Lingayen Gulf, Hundred
Islands is one of the most popular tourist spots in Pangasinan. Its most visited islands are
Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, Marcos Island and Children’s Island.

2. ENCHANTED CAVE
o Enchanted Cave is one of the must-visit attractions in Bolinao, Pangasinan. The entire
place is stunning since it’s like a huge coral reef that emerged from underwater.
However, there are certain areas inside the caves that are restricted from tourists.

3. BOLINAO FALLS
o The falls are a perfect place to unwind and be one with nature. Guests can enjoy
activities such as cliff jumping and bamboo rafting. There are also nipa huts and life vests
available for renting.

4. CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE

o It was constructed in 1903 by Americans passing through the shores of Pangasinan. It
stands proudly on top of Punta Piedra Point, offering guests a stunning view of Patar
Beach and the West Philippine Sea. Throughout the decades, the lighthouse has
prevented accidents at sea by serving as an international marine passage to Hong Kong,
Japan, USA, and other countries.

6
 5. THE MINOR BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF MANAOAG
o Known as “Apo Baket”, the patroness of Pangasinan, the Our Lady of Manaoag is a
religious shrine with countless miraculous tales and healing powers. The devout Filipino
Catholics revered Our Lady of Manaoag as the patroness of the sick, the helpless and
the needy.

6. PATAR BEACH
o Dubbed as “The Boracay of Pangasinan” with its very long stretch of white sand beach
and crystal clear waters

ILOCOS REGION’S CUISINE

o Vigan longganisa
o Pakbet
o Dinengdeng
o Ilocos empanada
o Dragon fruit - ilocos norte is dubbed as the “dragon fruit capital of the philippines”
o Puto calasiao
o Dagupan bangus
o Tupig
o Basi - a fermented alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane in the ilocos region of northern
luzon in the philippines.
o Bagoong